Using the State and Area Series Retrieval System
This help document explains how to use the Series Report Tool on the BLS website. Unlike the Create Customized Tables (multiple screens) tool,
the Series Report tool allows the user to directly download any State and Area time series by referring to its 18-digit
Series ID.
The Series ID variable is what LABSTAT used to find a series on the State and Area database. Unfortunately, each
program within BLS has its own Series ID format, so this schematic will only work with State and Area CES data.
Example: SMU191360152300001
The Series ID above is divided into its seven components. Each, incidentally, refers to a separate form in a Create Customized Tables (multiple screens) query.
"SM"
The first two letters in the Series ID refer to the BLS program collecting the data. All data from the State and Area
Current Employment Statistics program will start off with the SA designation.
"U"
This refers to a request for unadjusted data (data not seasonally adjusted). The same data series seasonally adjusted would have the
Series ID: SMU191360152300001. Please note that the majority of data series will not be seasonally adjusted. Only state employment data
series are seasonally adjusted, and those are only seasonally adjusted at the NAICS supersector level of detail. Hours and earnings series, and MSA
employment series are not currently seasonally adjusted.
"19"
This refers to the state FIPS code. 19 is the code for Iowa. A complete list is available